Shenandoah, also known as Across the Wide Missouri, Rolling River, Oh, My Rolling River and World of Misery is a traditional folk song, sung in the Americas, of uncertain origin, but dating to the early 19th century
Shenandoah appears to have originated with American and Canadian voyageurs or fur traders traveling down the Missouri River in canoes and has developed several different sets of lyrics. Some lyrics refer to the Oneida chief Shenandoah and a canoe-going trader who wants to marry his daughter. By the mid 1800s versions of the song had become a sea shanty heard or sung by sailors in various parts of the world. At that time, only adventurers who sought their fortunes as trappers and traders ventured into the lands of the American indigenous peoples as far west as the Missouri River. These canoe-going voyageurs were great singers, and songs were an important part of their culture. In the early days of America, rivers and canals were the chief trade and passenger routes, and boatmen were an important class.
Shenandoah was a celebrated Indian chief in American history, and several towns in the States are named after him. Besides being sung at sea, this song figured in old public-school collections.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.
